As I write this column, we have entered the month of October and the weather is decidedly Autumn-esque here in Maryland. While my neighborhood produce stand still has some local produce – tomatoes, lima beans, corn and pears, to name a few – we have definitely moved on to the pumpkin-forward time of year.
In fact, October 1 is National Pumpkin Spice Day and I did a little research on what’s new on grocery shelves this year to celebrate this auspicious occasion. Of course, there are all the usual suspects – pumpkin spice flavored coffees, creamers, cookies, donuts, ice creams, etc. – think Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. But, I’ve gotten several releases recently about items from other categories that have launched for 2025. Among them are pumpkin spice flavored offerings from breakfast cereals like Cheerios and Frosted Mini Wheats, and popcorn makers BoomChickaPop and Lesser Evil have jumped on the bandwagon too. They seem like reasonable additions to the craze, right?
But, I found a few products – edible and non-edible – that had me scratching my head. Number one in the edible category was Laughing Cow pumpkin spiced spreadable cheese wedges. I don’t think so. The other area where limited edition pumpkin spice flavored products can be found is pet food aisle, of all places. Yes, your beloved pooch or kitty can be treated to the same types of seasonal treats we have enjoyed for a while now. Available this year are products like Ben & Jerry’s Doggie Dessert pumpkin spice flavored mini cookies, Milk-Bone Pup-Kin Spice dog biscuits, Beggin’ Pupkin Bites with bacon & pumpkin, and Tiki Cat pumpkin puree & wheatgrass Tummy Topper. Those just the treats. You can also feed Scruffy Nacho Bone Broth-Infused Kibble Chicken & Pumpkin recipe dog food.
Another out-there offering comes from Xero Pics, which offers pumpkin spice flavored toothpicks (which USA Today says are really more like lollipops to suck on than actual toothpicks).
BUT, apparently it’s not just about eating foods flavored with the stuff, now manufacturers want to help you experience pumpkin spice everywhere! Hefty is re-releasing its cinnamon pumpkin spice scented trash bags and Pourri has a maple pumpkin scented poo spray for use in the commode.
Lastly, grooming is an area where some people want that pumpkin spice experience, I guess, because Dove has a cinnamon-pumpkin pie scented deodorant out this year, and Texas Beard Company offers scented beard oil and beard balm for those who want to smell like pumpkin pie spice all day long.
Anymore it seems like once something is “trendy” then the CPG world won’t stop till we get enough…..
One of the things I really love about the retail grocery industry is the way retailers give back to the communities they serve. The majority of that giving is in the areas of food insecurity, children’s health, and education. Last month, Weis Markets Weis Markets launched its 18th annual Fight Hunger in-store donation program, which supports regional food banks in its seven-state market area. Since the Fight Hunger program began in 2008, Weis Markets has raised and donated more than $7.8 million for local and regional hunger relief organizations.
Throughout Hunger Action Month in September, customers can round-up their grocery orders to the next dollar, donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout, or give online at WeisMarkets.com to support their neighbors in need. Weis Markets will supplement customer donations with a corporate contribution and distribute funds to regional food banks at the end of the year to maximize the impact of the donations in the fight against food insecurity.
“Millions of Americans face food insecurity throughout the year, and our Fight Hunger program gives customers and associates a simple way to support local food banks in their communities,” said Dennis Curtin, Weis Markets director of public relations. “Food and food insecurity play a significant role in people’s lives—impacting health, education, and future opportunities. We’re proud to give back to organizations that make a real difference for families throughout our service areas.”
Weis Markets’ Fight Hunger campaign works with regional food banks throughout its seven-state market area, including these in the Food World marketing area: The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg and Williamsport, PA); The Maryland Food Bank; Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank (Virgina); and Food Bank of Delaware.
In the area of education, Weis also runs the annual Weis 4 School program from October through April, which is projected to generate $500,000 in donations for pre-k through eighth-grade schools in Weis Markets’ seven-state market area. Schools are able to register until October 31 of this year and the program will run through April 30, 2026, and schools and customers can sign up for the program online at www.weis4school.com.
“Our Weis 4 School program offers our customers a convenient way to support their local schools. More than 700 schools participated in last year’s program, and we expect the program to keep growing,” said Maria Rizzo, Weis Markets VP-marketing and advertising. “Once schools join our program and customers link their Weis Rewards card to their selected school, they can generate donations for that school whenever they shop in our stores.”
Qualifying purchases made with a linked Weis Rewards card will generate donations for schools. All schools ranging from pre-k through eighth grade are eligible to participate, including public, private, religious schools, and daycare centers.
Recently, the retailer presented check donations from the 2024 campaign to schools in Thurmont, MD. The checks presented were for $22,194.06 (Thurmont Primary), $14,767.49 (Thurmont Elementary), and $15,189.78 (Thurmont Middle), totaling $52,151.33. See below for a photo from the check presentation held at the Thurmont Weis.
Lastly, I remind you that the Children’s Cancer Foundation’s annual Gala will be held November 1 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, MD. Now, more than ever, they need your support to help them fight this awful disease. For more information go to childrenscancerfoundation.org or email them directly at [email protected].
